How does the UFL Draft work? Though it already happened, I think it’s important for us to understand how the league determines its draft process, so we may be better prepared for next year. It’s different compared to the usual NFL draft format we are all so familiar with, but it’s not that complicated. 

The UFL Draft has 3 phases:

• Phase 1: The QB Draft
• Phase 2: Regional College Allocation
• Phase 3: The Draft

Phase 1: The QB Draft (January 9th, 2026)

Held remotely and out of the public eye, coaches will have the opportunity to first select who will take command under center, with help from the UFL’s Scouting Department. 

Ethan Berch of the UFL explains it best, stating “…it’s clear the league is emphasizing the most important position on the field. So crucial, in fact, that the UFL devotes an entire day to selecting the future leaders of each franchise. By identifying quarterbacks first, coaches are given the opportunity to shape their teams from the top down, while also helping ensure a more balanced distribution of talent across the league”. 

Phase 2: Regional College Allocation (January 10th, 2026)

In an attempt to strengthen regional bonds, the UFL offers coaches the opportunity to pick up to 3 players from a list of Division 1 FBS schools that are close to the teams home city. The selection will also be held remotely and is an opportunity for locals to recognize familiar faces and bring communities closer together. The regions are defined by the UFL’s Player Personnel Department. 

Phase 3: The Draft (January 13th-14th, 2026)

A 2 day event that takes place at UFL HQ in Arlington, Texas. 

Day 1 of the draft includes players who played in the UFL last year on the active roster or injured reserve, with teams able to keep 12 of their players from the previous season’s roster. The remaining players will be put into the draft pool, eligible to be drafted by other teams. The draft represents a snake-style format, drafting by position groups:

• Offensive Lineman
• Running Backs and Tight Ends
• Wide Receivers
• Defensive Front Seven
  • Linebackers
  • Defensive Ends
  • Defensive Tackles
• Defensive Backs
• Specialists 

Day 2 of the draft follows the same format, but now targets players who are eligible for the draft pool, and are not with any current team or league. The UFL lists these categories as players who are eligible for day 2: 

• 2025 NFL draft-eligible players
• 2025 NFL training camp players
• 2026 NFL draft-eligible players
• UFL Showcase attendees
• Players who signed an LOI and did not finish the 2025 season on a UFL roster
• Other free agents

Additional Information:

• A virtual lottery, randomly selecting teams, will determine the order of the draft
• Training camp rosters are limited to 64 players
• Teams may draft a minimum of 60 players, and a maximum of 62 players
• Draft coverage was not streamed, but can be followed on the UFL website